Thomas Bryant is expected to sign a one-year deal to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Cavs are thin in the frontcourt. Finding talent behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen
has been an issue for years. Bryant is arguably the most successful backup big that they have tried in this era, providing some quality minutes in the regular season before showing diminishing returns in the playoffs.
Bryant averaged 6.2 points and 3.4 rebounds last season. He’s a strong rebounder who occasionally spaced the floor and made double-big lineups with Mobley viable. Bryant shot 35.9% from deep last season.
Still, his lack of mobility was on display in the playoffs as he struggled to keep up with more athletic teams like the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks.
There’s value in retaining talent. The Cavs understand that frontcourt depth is a weakness, and they don’t want to make it worse by losing a viable backup big. Bryant also deserves credit for being a strong locker room presence. He’s worthy of a one-year deal to return.
Nonetheless, an argument can be made that Cleveland has taken the wrong approach with fleshing out their rotation. The lack of athleticism and versatility on the wing is impossible to ignore. Continuing to sign players who don’t address that area of weakness can lead to someone like Bryant unfairly receiving the blame.
It’s not Bryant’s fault that the Cavs haven’t found other options to play in the frontcourt. But I can understand why some fans were surprised and even disappointed to see the Cavaliers commit to Bryant before free agency even officially begins.
Fans are clamoring for change, even after a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. There’s a sense of uneasiness that has crept into online discourse about the Cavs. That’s why signing a reliable backup option like Bryant can be met with anguish. He’s a solid veteran to have on your bench. But he’s not what this team needs. And until the Cavs find some true depth on the wing, signings like this will be met with complaints.
